The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Brian Jones

05/25/2016

Brian Jones Era Ending at Petit Pois

Pois

A change of guard is coming to a post at the heart of Charlottesville dining. For eleven years, Brian Jones has overseen the kitchen of Petit Pois, one of Charlottesville’s most dependably excellent restaurants. Nowhere in town more closely resembles a classic French bistro, which is no wonder given that, before coming to Charlottesville, Jones had worked with some of the nation’s best French chefs, including Daniel Boulud, Eric Ripert and Jean Georges Vongerichten.

At the end of June, Jones is leaving to prepare to take over the kitchen of Timberwood Tap House, set to open this fall in the 5th Street Extended shopping center housing Wegman’s. Petit Pois owner Brian Helleberg, who also owns Fleurie, knows how much Jones will be missed. “As good as he is as a chef and leader,” says Helleberg, “he is an even better person, and I will truly miss interacting with him day to day.” Anyone who has come to rely on Petit Pois’s spot-on renditions of steak frites, chicken liver mousse, and French onion soup knows that Jones’ successor has big shoes to fill.

That task belongs to John Shanesy, of Parallel 38, who says leaving was difficult. “I am sad to be leaving Parallel 38 and most importantly [co-owner] Justin [Ross],” says Shanesy. “He has changed everything for me and I can never thank him enough.” But, Shanesy is fully focused on the future and the responsibility of overseeing a Charlottesville fixture like Petit Pois. “I am very honored that I was chosen,” says Shanesy, “and am going to do everything in my power to maintain the great respect and solid name that Petit Pois has established in our community.”

In today’s era, it is rare for a chef to stay at any one restaurant for long. Thank you, Brian, for eleven superb years at Petit Pois. Helleberg says it best, calling Jones a “special person” with a “unique impact”:

Brian has had a unique impact on myself, his coworkers and our customers by bringing positive energy and professionalism to work every day. That is rare in the restaurant business, but Brian showed us all how it’s done.  He really cares about people and his relationships with them, whether it be a new dishwasher, the wine delivery man or the upstairs neighbor. It’s not all that complicated but to make it look so effortless for 11 years takes a really special person. I’m really proud to have had Chef Brian set the standard at Petit Pois and happy for his new opportunity.

– Brian Helleberg

05/02/2014

Five Finds on Friday: Brian Jones

jonesSmiling

On Fridays, we feature five food finds from local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Brian Jones, chef of Petit Pois.  On May 13, Petit Pois is hosting the Charlottesville stop of Wines of Germany’s second annual Riesling Road Trip.  Paul Grieco (of NYC’s Hearth and Terroir), who in 2012 won the James Beard Award for nation’s best wine and spirits professional, is traveling up and down the east coast with wine writer Stuart Pigott in a wine bar on wheels.  On May 13, Grieco and Pigott will be at Petit Pois for a multi-course dinner with eight different German wines.  $52, all inclusive. To reserve, call 434-979-7647.  Jones’ picks:

1)  Pepperoni Pizza and Grape Soda at Vinny’s Pizza & Pasta in Ruckersville.  “Just like the local pizzeria in my town where I grew up. While I can’t put down the grape soda like I used to as a kid, this combination makes me feel like I’m 14 again.”

2)  Original Tart Yogurt with Oreo Cookie Crumbs at Sweet Frog.  “With my six and seven year old girls, these Sweet Frog dates are always sweet times.”

3)  Olive Thyme Levain at Albemarle Baking Company.  “Toast a slice for breakfast to go with your coffee.”

4)  Spicy Tuna Tartar at ZoCaLo.  “Super clean flavors with a little bit of spice. A great way to replenish some calories after a hard night’s work.  Probably the most consistent restaurant in town.  They’re always on point.”

5)  Mussels from Seafood @ West Main.  “The place to grab a bag of mussels before your next party, or any seafood for that matter.  Petit Pois Restaurant sources all of their seafood through Seafood @ West Main. Everything is always super fresh. Pristine quality fish.”